Strapless mask

ABSTRACT

Implementations of a strapless mask are provided. In some implementations, the strapless mask comprises a filter portion comprising a material and a securing portion comprising an elastic adhesive tape. In some implementations, a method of using the strapless mask comprises placing the strapless mask on a wearer&#39;s face and securing the strapless mask to the wearer&#39;s face with the elastic adhesive tape. In some implementations, the method further comprises stretching and fitting the strapless mask on the wearer&#39;s face.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/018,507, which was filed on Apr. 30, 2020, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a strapless mask.

BACKGROUND

A typical face mask is made from a multi-layer material comprising an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The outer layer may be made from a moisture resistant material, the middle layer may comprise a filter, and the inner layer may be made from an absorbent material.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, existing face masks typically have straps that go behind the ears or tie around the head. These masks can cause irritation to the skin and pain behind the ears or head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate example existing face masks.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an implementation of an example strapless mask according to the present disclosure and use of the mask.

FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of an inner view of an example strapless mask according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an implementation of a portion of an inner view of an example strapless mask according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a strapless mask are provided. In some implementations, the strapless mask comprises a filter portion comprising a filtering material and a securing portion comprising an elastic adhesive tape.

In some implementations, the strapless mask is configured to be worn without the use of straps that, for example, secure behind the ears or around the head of a wearer.

In some implementations, the strapless mask is configured to secure to a wearer's face by an elastic adhesive tape, such as a kinesiology tape.

In some implementations, the strapless mask is configured to cover a wearer's nose and mouth when worn.

In some implementations, the strapless mask is configured to filter viruses, bacteria, dust, and/or fumes when worn.

In some implementations, the strapless mask comprises a filter made from a material that is the same or similar to a material of an existing or future developed face mask.

In some implementations, the strapless mask is configured to be used as a face mask for personal protective equipment (PPE).

In some implementations, a method of using the strapless mask comprises placing the strapless mask on a wearer's face and securing the strapless mask to the wearer's face using the elastic adhesive material. In some implementations, the method further comprises stretching and fitting the strapless mask on the wearer's face.

A typical face mask is made from a multi-layer material comprising an outer layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The outer layer may be made from a moisture resistant material, the middle layer may comprise a filter, and the inner layer may be made from an absorbent material. However, face masks used as personal protective equipment (PPE) can be made from any material.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate example existing face masks 10 a, 10 b. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, existing face masks 10 a, 10 b typically have straps 11 a, 11 b that go behind the ears or tie around the head. These masks 10 a, 10 b can cause irritation to the skin and pain behind the ears or head.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an implementation of an example strapless mask 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of an inner view of a strapless mask 500 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates an implementation of a portion of an inner view of a strapless mask 600 according to the present disclosure In some implementations, the strapless masks 100, 500, 600 are the same or similar, as described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some implementations, the strapless masks 100, 500, 600 comprises a filter portion 120, 520, 620 and a securing portion 140, 540, 640, respectively.

In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 comprises a material configured to help provide a physical barrier between a wearer's nose and mouth and the immediate outer environment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 comprises a piece of material sized and shaped to help provide a physical barrier between a wearer's nose and mouth and the immediate outer environment when the strapless mask 100 is worn.

In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise any suitable material that provides a physical barrier between a wearer's nose and mouth and the immediate outer environment. In some implementations, the filter portion 120 may comprise a material that is the same or similar to a filtering material of an existing or future developed face mask, such as the face mask 10 a, 10 b shown in FIG. 1A, 1B. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material that is the same or similar to a filtering material of an existing or future developed surgical mask. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material that is the same or similar to a material of an existing or future developed face mask used for personal protective equipment (PPE). In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help filter viruses. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help filter bacteria. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help filter dust. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help filter fumes. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help filter airborne particles. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help filter very small particles in the air. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help filter large particle droplets. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise a material used to help reduce exposure to others of the wearer's saliva and/or respiratory secretions. In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 may comprise in other suitable material.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, in some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 overlaps the filter portion 120, 520, 620 and extends beyond the outermost edge of the filter portion 120, 520, 620, respectively.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 encircles the filter portion 120, 520, 620, respectively. For example, in some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 encircles the outermost edge of the filter portion 120, 520, 620, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some implementations, the securing portion 140 comprises an elastic adhesive tape. Similarly, the securing portion 540 and 640 may comprise an elastic adhesive tape.

For example, in some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 comprises one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape. In some implementations, the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape are configured to encircle the filter portion. In some implementations, one strip of elastic adhesive tape is long enough to encircle the filter portion.

In some implementations, the elastic adhesive tape is kinesiology tape (also known as physio-tape, Kinesio tape, or K-tape).

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some implementations, the securing portion 140 helps to contour the strapless mask 100 to a wearer's face. For example, in some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 forms to the shape of the wearer's face. In some implementations, the securing portion 140 moves with the wearer's face/skin.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 helps to prevent pressure points on a wearer's face, which may cause bruising or irritation of the wearer's face during extended or prolonged use.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations, the securing portion 540 may include a protective removable backing 541. Similarly, the securing portion 140, 640 may include a protective removable backing. In some implementations, the backing is configured to protect the adhesive of the securing portion 140, 540, 640 until the strapless mask 100, 500, 600, respectively, is ready to be used.

In some implementations, the backing 541 is configured to be removed when securing the strapless mask 500 to a wearer's face. For example, in some implementations, the backing 541 is configured to be removed to expose the adhesive of the securing portion 540 to apply to the wearer's face.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is pre-stretched by 15% to 25% as it is applied to the backing paper during manufacturing. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is pre-stretched by less than 15% as it is applied to the backing paper 541 during manufacturing. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is pre-stretched by more than 25% as it is applied to the backing paper during manufacturing.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is configured to stretch to 120% to 140% of its original length (i.e., to stretch 20% to 40% in length). In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is configured to retract back towards its unstretched length after it is applied to a wearer.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is configured to mimic physical qualities of a wearer's skin For example, in some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is configured to be the same as or similar in weight and/or thickness to the epidermis (e.g., the upper/outer skin layer) and to have the same or similar inherent elastic properties.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 comprises a polymer elastic wrapped in cotton fibers. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 comprises an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive on one side. In some implementations, the securing portion is 140, 540, 640 configured to allow the evaporation of moisture.

In some implementations, the adhesive of the securing portion 140, 540, 640 may be heat activated. For example, in some implementations, the adhesive may be activated to adhere to the skin of a wearer by rubbing or pressing upon the securing portion 140, 540, 640 while positioned on the skin.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is configured to be waterproof. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is configured to be breathable. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 is configured to dry quickly.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 may be 14 inches long. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 may be less than 14 inches long. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 may be greater than 14 inches long.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 may be 2 inches wide. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 may be less than 2 inches wide. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 may be greater than 2 inches wide.

In some implementations, the strapless mask 100, 500, 600 may be generally cup shaped or bowl shaped. More specifically, in some implementations, the strapless mask 100, 500, 600 comprises a closed end, an opposite open end, and a wall extending between the closed end and the open end, wherein the wall defines an interior portion. In some implementations, the closed end is circular and the opposite open end is circular. In some implementations, the closed end, the opposite open end, and the wall extending between the closed end and the open and defining an interior portion form a concave shape with an open top. In some implementations, the closed end, the opposite open end, and the wall extending between the closed end and the open and defining an interior portion form a receptacle having an open top.

In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 forms the closed end. In some implementations, a portion of the filter portion 120, 520, 620 also may form a portion of the sides of the strapless mask 100, 500, 600, respectively.

In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 at least partly forms the sides of the strapless mask 100. In some implementations, the securing portion 140, 540, 640 also define an open end of the strapless mask 100, 500, 600 respectively.

In some implementations, the open end of the strapless mask is configured to encircle the nose and mouth of a wearer of the strapless mask 100.

In some implementations, the cup or bowl shaped strapless mask 100 may be configured and sized such that the filter portion 120, 520, 620 does not contact the wearer's face when the strapless mask 100, 500, 600, respectively, is worn.

In some implementations, the strapless mask may be any other suitable shape. For example, in some implementations, the strapless mask may be flat or planar or relatively flat or planar.

In some implementations, the filter portion 120, 520, 620 and the securing portion 140, 540, 640, respectively, may be attached together in any suitable way such that the strapless mask provides a face mask over the nose and mouth of a wearer when worn. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, the securing portion 640 may be attached to the filter portion 620 by a portion of the adhesive of the securing portion 640. In some implementations, the filter portion 620 and the securing portion 640 may be secured together or reinforced by an additional adhesive, such as a glue, rubber cement, or any other suitable adhesive.

In some implementations, the strapless mask 100 comprises any suitable dimensions.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an example use of the strapless mask 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some implementations, the strapless mask 100 is configured to be worn without the use of straps. For example, in some implementations, the strapless mask 100 is configured to be worn without the use of straps that secure behind the ears or around the head of a wearer. The strapless mask 500, 600 may be worn in a similar manner.

In some implementations, the strapless mask 100 is configured to secure to a wearer's face by the elastic adhesive tape. In some implementations, the strapless mask 100 is configured to cover a wearer's nose and mouth when worn. In some implementations, the strapless mask 100 is configured to provide a filter when worn. In some implementations, the strapless mask 100 is configured to provide a face mask for personal protective equipment (PPE).

In some implementations, an example method of using the strapless mask 100 comprises removing the backing (if included) from the securing portion 140, 540, 640. For example, in some implementations, the protective removable backing 541 shown in FIG. 5 is removed from the adhesive of the securing portion 540.

In some implementations, the backing may be gradually removed from the adhesive tape as the strapless mask 100 is positioned on the wearer's face as described below.

In some implementations, the method comprises placing the strapless mask 100 on a wearer's face. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, in some implementations, the strapless mask 100 first is positioned over the wearer's nose and mouth. In some implementations, the securing portion 140 is positioned on or adjacent to the wearer's face and the filter portion 120 is thereby positioned away from the wearer's face. In some implementations, the adhesive of the securing portion 140 is positioned on or adjacent to the wearer's face.

In some implementations, the method may further comprise fitting the strapless mask 100 to the wearer's face by stretching the elastic adhesive tape of the securing portion 140 as needed. For example, in some implementations, the elastic adhesive tape of the securing portion 140 may be retractably stretched as described above.

In some implementations, the method comprises pressing the strapless mask 100 to the wearer's face to secure the strapless mask 100 to the face. For example, in some implementations, the securing portion 140 is pressed to the wearer's face to secure the strapless mask 100. In some implementations, the adhesive of the securing portion 140 is pressed to the wearer's face.

In some implementations, the elastic adhesive tape of the securing portion 140 may be pressed to the face while stretched and then released such that the adhesive tape at least partly retracts to the original or previous length as described above.

In some implementations, the elastic adhesive tape of the securing portion 140 may be pressed and/or rubbed upon on the wearer's face such that contact and/or pressure is applied to activate the adhesive of the securing portion 140.

In some implementations, the strapless mask 100 may be placed, fitted, and/or secured to the wearer's face as described above gradually. For example, in some implementations, the strapless mask 100 may be fitted and secured over the nose area first and then fitted and secured over the remainder of the face, e.g. from the nose area downward.

In some implementations, the strapless mask 100 may be gradually placed, fitted, and/or secured to the wearer's face in any other suitable way.

In some implementations, an existing (or future developed) mask with straps may be converted to a strapless mask using an elastic adhesive tape. For example, in some implementations, the existing face mask 10 a, 10 b shown in FIG. 1A, 1B may be converted to a strapless mask.

In some implementations, the method for converting a mask with straps to a strapless mask may comprise removing one or more straps (if included) from the mask, such as the straps 11 a, 11 b shown in FIG. 1A, 1B. In some implementations, the straps may be removed from the existing mask by cutting off the straps with scissors.

In some implementations, the straps may be removed from the mask in any other suitable way that allows the mask to be converted. In some implementations, the straps alternately may not be removed from the existing mask.

In some implementations, the method for converting a mask with straps to a strapless mask comprises attaching an elastic adhesive tape (e.g., similar to the above described securing portion 140, 540, 640) to the mask. For example, in some implementations, the elastic adhesive tape is attached to the mask such that the elastic adhesive tape overlaps the mask and extends beyond and encircles the outermost edge of the mask.

In some implementations, the elastic adhesive tape is attached to the mask as shown in FIG. 6. In some implementations, the elastic adhesive tape may be attached to the mask in any other suitable configuration to allow the use of the mask as a strapless mask.

In some implementations, the resulting converted strapless mask may be used, such as placed, fitted, and/or secured to a wearer's face, similar to as described above for the strapless mask 100.

The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of the strapless mask.

Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. 

1. An article of manufacture comprising: a filter portion and a securing portion configured to cover the nose and mouth, wherein: the filter portion comprises a material configured to provide a physical barrier between a wearer's nose and mouth and the immediate outer environment when the article of manufacture is worn on the wearer's face; the securing portion comprises one or more strips of an elastic adhesive tape, wherein: the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape overlap the filter portion and extends beyond the outermost edge of the filter portion; and the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape completely encircle the outermost edge of the filter portion; and the article of manufacture comprises a closed end, an opposite open end, and a wall extending between the closed end and the open end, wherein: the wall defines an interior portion; the filter portion forms the closed end; and the one or more strips of elastic tape form the wall and define the open end.
 2. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the closed end is circular and the opposite open end is circular.
 3. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape is kinesiology tape.
 4. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape is 2 inches in width.
 5. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape comprise a removable backing.
 6. The article of manufacture of claim 5 wherein: each of the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape is stretched at least 15% in length with the backing attached; each of the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape is configured to be stretched at least 20% in length after the backing is removed; and each of the one or more strips of elastic adhesive is configured to retract in length after it is released from being stretched.
 7. A method of using the article of manufacture of claim 1 comprising: placing the article of manufacture on a wearer's face over the wearer's nose and mouth such that the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape is positioned adjacent to the wearer's skin and the filter portion is positioned away from the wearer's face such that the filter portion does not touch the wearer's face and the nose and mouth are positioned in the interior portion; and securing the article of manufacture to the wearer's face by pressing the adhesive portion of the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape against the wearer's skin.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising fitting the article of manufacture to the wearer's face by stretching at least a portion of the securing portion.
 9. A method of using the article of manufacture of claim 5 comprising: removing the removable backing from each of the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape; placing the article of manufacture on a wearer's face over the wearer's nose and mouth such that the one or more strips of the elastic adhesive tape of the securing portion is positioned adjacent to the wearer's skin and the filter portion is positioned away from the wearer's face such that the filter portion does not touch the wearer's face and the nose and mouth are positioned in the interior portion; and securing the article of manufacture to the wearer's face by pressing the adhesive portion of the one or more strips of the elastic adhesive tape against the wearer's skin.
 10. A method of making the article of manufacture of claim 1, comprising: forming the filter portion from a face mask; and attaching the securing portion to the filter portion to form the article of manufacture.
 11. An article of manufacture comprising: a filter portion and a securing portion configured to cover the nose and mouth, wherein: the filter portion comprises a material configured to provide a physical barrier between a wearer's nose and mouth and the immediate outer environment when the article of manufacture is worn on a wearer's face; and the securing portion comprises an elastic adhesive tape wherein the elastic adhesive tape overlaps the filter portion and extends beyond the outermost edge of the filter portion and the elastic adhesive tape completely encircles the filter portion.
 12. The article of manufacture of claim 11 wherein the securing portion comprises one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape, wherein: the one or more strips of elastic adhesive tape overlaps and extends beyond the outermost edge of the filter portion; and the one or more strips of the elastic adhesive tape completely encircle the filter portion.
 13. The article of manufacture of claim 11 wherein the article of manufacture comprises a closed end, an opposite open end, and a wall extending between the closed end and the open end, wherein: the wall defines an interior portion; the filter portion forms the closed end; and the one or more strips of elastic tape form the wall and define the open end.
 14. A method of using the article of manufacture of claim 11, comprising: placing the article of manufacture on a wearer's face over the wearer's nose and mouth such that the elastic adhesive tape is positioned adjacent to the wearer's skin and encircle the wearer's nose and mouth; and securing the article of manufacture to the wearer's face by pressing the adhesive portion of the elastic adhesive tape against the wearer's skin.
 15. The method of claim 15 further comprising fitting the article of manufacture to the wearer's face by stretching at least a portion of the securing portion. 